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VPN Glossary

Full-Tunnel VPN

Full-tunnel mode routes essentially all device traffic through the VPN tunnel, including app connections and (when correctly configured) DNS requests. I...

1 min read
Full-Tunnel VPN

Full-tunnel mode routes essentially all device traffic through the VPN tunnel, including app connections and (when correctly configured) DNS requests. It’s the simplest model for privacy because it minimizes accidental bypass: if the tunnel is up, your traffic follows the same secure route. Full-tunnel VPN is recommended for travel, public Wi-Fi, and any session where you want consistent IP masking and encryption. The main tradeoff is convenience - local network services (LAN printers, file shares, smart home devices) may be harder to access, and some sites may flag VPN exits for CAPTCHAs or blocks. If you run full-tunnel all the time, prioritize a fast protocol, stable exit locations, and a kill switch. In a DVPN context, full-tunnel also helps ensure that traffic consistently uses the chosen route and exits, rather than mixing direct and tunneled connections.